‘Elementary’ entertains with new twist on Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock (Jonny Lee Miller, kneeling) uses his powers of deduction to consult on the murder of a young man who is shot upon entering his apartment in an upcoming episode of "Elementary," which premieres tonight (Sept. 27) at 9 p.m. CDT on CBS.

Giovanni Rufino / CBS

By Will Glover / Day City Editor

Published: Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 02:20 PM.

With so many channels, so many shows and so many sports, it’s getting increasingly difficult to keep up with all the choices, let alone watch them.

“Elementary,” which debuts tonight (Sept. 27) at 9 p.m. CDT on CBS, is one new show I’m glad I had the time to watch. It’s entertaining; it’s smart; it’s moody; and the re-imagined Sherlock Holmes, played by Jonny Lee Miller (“Trainspotting), and sidekick Watson — in this case, Dr. Joan Watson, portrayed competently by Lucy Liu (“Charlie’s Angels”) — is, in my mind, a nearly perfect example of remaking a classic without losing its integrity.

This comedy/drama/suspense — it has a little of everything — certainly is not for everyone. Some people don’t like remakes — period. I’m often in that camp, but there are a few well-made remakes that are as good, or surpass, the original. (“The Parent Trap,” remake, with the then-innocent Lindsay Lohan, is one that comes to mind.)

But, for those not averse to a little change, “Elementary” should be quite pleasing. Sherlock Holmes has been exiled, so to speak, to New York City after a breakdown involving drug addiction. Holmes’ family assigns him a baby sitter, Watson, who has her own inner demons that will be further explored in later episodes. Miller’s rendition of Holmes is a character unfazed — almost oblivious — to his inner turmoil; he’s able to tune it out by turning his attention to solving crimes, forcing Watson to join him. (Holmes is like a toddler at a theme park; turn your head for one moment and it’s off to the races.)

Sherlock is helped along by Capt. Tobias “Toby” Greason (Aidan Quinn, “Prime Suspect”), who serves as Sherlock’s contact as the sleuth resumes his role of police consultant.

“Elementary” far surpassed my expectations, despite a few plot holes that I suspect will be cleaned up in future episodes. But it’s an original, fresh and all-together entertaining take on the continuing saga of Sherlock Holmes.

Reviewer’s rating: *** (out of ****)

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With so many channels, so many shows and so many sports, it’s getting increasingly difficult to keep up with all the choices, let alone watch them.

“Elementary,” which debuts tonight (Sept. 27) at 9 p.m. CDT on CBS, is one new show I’m glad I had the time to watch. It’s entertaining; it’s smart; it’s moody; and the re-imagined Sherlock Holmes, played by Jonny Lee Miller (“Trainspotting), and sidekick Watson — in this case, Dr. Joan Watson, portrayed competently by Lucy Liu (“Charlie’s Angels”) — is, in my mind, a nearly perfect example of remaking a classic without losing its integrity.

This comedy/drama/suspense — it has a little of everything — certainly is not for everyone. Some people don’t like remakes — period. I’m often in that camp, but there are a few well-made remakes that are as good, or surpass, the original. (“The Parent Trap,” remake, with the then-innocent Lindsay Lohan, is one that comes to mind.)

But, for those not averse to a little change, “Elementary” should be quite pleasing. Sherlock Holmes has been exiled, so to speak, to New York City after a breakdown involving drug addiction. Holmes’ family assigns him a baby sitter, Watson, who has her own inner demons that will be further explored in later episodes. Miller’s rendition of Holmes is a character unfazed — almost oblivious — to his inner turmoil; he’s able to tune it out by turning his attention to solving crimes, forcing Watson to join him. (Holmes is like a toddler at a theme park; turn your head for one moment and it’s off to the races.)

Sherlock is helped along by Capt. Tobias “Toby” Greason (Aidan Quinn, “Prime Suspect”), who serves as Sherlock’s contact as the sleuth resumes his role of police consultant.

“Elementary” far surpassed my expectations, despite a few plot holes that I suspect will be cleaned up in future episodes. But it’s an original, fresh and all-together entertaining take on the continuing saga of Sherlock Holmes.